tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34401270362242219832018-03-02T07:39:17.986-08:00The Thing About Books...Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-26838186657103798112011-10-09T19:30:00.000-07:002011-10-09T19:30:57.244-07:00This is goodbye, I suppose...Hello. I really hate being a quitter, but I figure that I tried the blogging thing for 8 months so I should be let off the hook. I'm kind of done blogging... At least for now and with this particular blog.<br /><br />This doesn't mean you'll never see me around on the internet; I plan to continue working with Tiffany and Orchid on that project, I'm on twitter practically all the time, and I'm still in existence just in general.<br /><br />I'm not stopping because it wasn't the most&nbsp;successful&nbsp;thing in the world. I just want to be done with this whole thing because I gots lots of other real-life things to do too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">Don't stop reading, don't stop blogging, and never stop doing what you love!</div><div style="text-align: right;">-Raquel</div>Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-35876921012682253232011-09-20T19:37:00.000-07:002011-09-20T19:37:25.871-07:00Will Grayson, Will Grayson<img alt="Will Grayson, Will Grayson" height="200" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1311279271l/7958389.jpg" width="133" />&nbsp;<i>Will Grayson, Will Grayson</i>&nbsp;by John Green and David Levithan<br /><br />Published April 5, 2011<br /><br />Paperback: 336 pages<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, Will Grayson crosses paths with . . . Will Grayson. Two teens with the same name, running in two very different circles, suddenly find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, and culminating in epic turns-of-heart and the most fabulous musical ever to grace the high school stage. Told in alternating voices from two YA superstars, this collaborative novel features a double helping of the heart and humor that have won them both legions of fans.</span><br /><br />I thought that <i>Will Grayson, Will Grayson</i>&nbsp;was a really good book that made me want to laugh, cry, and gush over the Pure Awesome.<br /><br />The first Will (by John Green) was a very real, funny, and slightly- I don't want to say "dark" because that's not what he was; he was kind of pessimistic and gray. I <b>loved</b>&nbsp;Tiny and Jane. They were the perfect "sidekicks" and they added a whole different element to the book. I also really really really love how John Green writes. All of his books rock.<br /><br />The second Will (by David Levithan) was a wonderfully dark and funny character. I completely liked how everything wasn't capitalized; it really showed his outlook on life. His depression was like a partially smoothed piece of glass. On some edges, it's really rough, and on others, the roughness has been smoothed down. I haven't ever read any of David Levithan's books, but I will definitely look into those.<br /><br />I loved how everything blended; it was just so perfect. The story was unexpected and just amazing. And even though he only made a brief appearance, can I just say that I am <b>in love with the Gay God</b>. He was perfect.<br /><br />Spoiler (skip if you want)- I CANNOT BELIEVE how Maura pretended to be Isaac even though she knew it would crush him!!!!! She's just so ridiculous. AH.<br /><br />Five Stars<br /><br />P.S. If you're confused as to why I reviewed a book that was published so "long" ago, I've decided to start reviewing Oldies. Not all of the best books in the world are brand new, and I don't want anyone to miss out on the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">M</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">G</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">C</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">!</span></b></span>Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-13529018384181314982011-09-08T18:38:00.000-07:002011-09-08T18:38:03.714-07:00Chime by Franny Billingsley<img alt="Chime" height="200" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1312523296l/8299165.jpg" width="133" />&nbsp;<i>Chime</i>&nbsp;by Franny Billingsley<br /><br />Hardcover: 361 pages<br /><br />Published March 17, 2011 by Dial<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.<br /><br />Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i><span></span>Chime</i>&nbsp;was a really good book with lots of mystery, wonderful old-fashioned-y-ness, and magic.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">The thing I loved most about this book was the writing. It was dark and deep and sophisticated and tart. (Yes, I described something as being "tart" and no, I do not mean my favorite dessert.) I also really loved the characters; Briony especially. Everyone was just so messed up in their own way that I couldn't help but love everyone. Except I didn't love Cecil, he was a deranged little monkey... Rose <b>really</b>&nbsp;annoyed me and yet I loved her like she had become my own sister in a way, and I suppose that was the point. Briony was awesomely creepy and depressed and magical and tough and sarcastic. Eldric was pretty amazing, in his looks and attitude, and Mr. Larkin is just really hard to describe.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Sometimes I'm a fan of historical fiction, but other times it's too dry or the history doesn't seem very real. <i>Chime</i>&nbsp;had absolutely none of those problems. I am a <b>ginormous</b>&nbsp;fan of the late 1800s, so that was good. I am also a <b>ginormous</b>&nbsp;fan of those female characters that want nothing to do with polite society, but conform anyways because they have to.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This book is for those with a taste for historical fiction, mystery, and fantasy.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Four Stars</span></span>Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-18165535143216515072011-09-02T14:43:00.000-07:002011-09-02T14:43:32.618-07:00Welcome to Bordertown by (Check Post for List of Authors)<img alt="Welcome to Bordertown" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61CXSFuDcVL.jpg" width="132" />&nbsp;<i>Welcome to Bordertown (Borderland)</i>&nbsp;by&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">Ellen Kushner</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name">Holly Black</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name">Terri Windling</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name">Cory Doctorow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name">Cassandra Clare</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name">Emma Bull</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name">Charles de Lint</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name">Will Shetterly</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;<span class="toggleLink"></span></span><span class="toggleContent" id="more104"><span itemprop="name">Amal El-Mohtar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,</span><span itemprop="name">Steven Brust</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name">Alaya Dawn Johnson</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name">Jane Yolen</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,</span>&nbsp;<span itemprop="name" style="font-family: georgia, serif; text-decoration: none;">Janni Lee Simner</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,</span><span itemprop="name">Sara Ryan</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name">Dylan Meconis</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name">Tim Prat</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">, Annette Curtis Klause</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">, Delia Sherman,&nbsp;</span>Nalo Hopkinson<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name" style="color: #181818;">Christopher Barzak</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name" style="color: #181818;">Neil Gaiman</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">,&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name" style="color: #181818;">Patricia A. McKillip</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">, and&nbsp;</span><span itemprop="name" style="color: #181818;">Catherynne M. Valente</span></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span class="toggleContent" id="more104"><span itemprop="name" style="color: #181818;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span class="toggleContent" id="more104"><span itemprop="name" style="color: #181818;">Published May 24, 2011 by Random House Books for Young Readers</span></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span class="toggleContent" id="more104"><span itemprop="name" style="color: #181818;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span class="toggleContent" id="more104"><span itemprop="name" style="color: #181818;">Hardcover: 544 pages</span></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span class="toggleContent" id="more104"><span itemprop="name" style="color: #181818;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Bordertown: a city on the border between our human world and the elfin realm. Runaway teens come from both sides of the border to find adventure, to find themselves. Elves play in rock bands and race down the street on spell-powered motorbikes. Human kids recreate themselves in the squats and clubs and artists' studios of Soho. Terri Windling's original Bordertown series was the forerunner of today's urban fantasy, introducing authors that included Charles de Lint, Will Shetterly, Emma Bull, and Ellen Kushner. In this volume of all-new work (including a 15-page graphic story), the original writers are now joined by the generation that grew up dreaming of Bordertown, including acclaimed authors Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, Cory Doctorow, Neil Gaiman, Catherynne M. Valente, and many more. They all meet here on the streets of Bordertown in more than twenty new interconnected songs, poems, and stories.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>Welcome to Bordertown</i>&nbsp;was a good book, but it took me eternity to read.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Since every chapter was written by a different author (by the way, listing all of the authors and removing all those links took forever so you're welcome) I figured that I would just talk about some of the chapters that I really didn't like, or really did like, or just feel like talking about. Obviously, this is going to be a lengthy review, so prepare yourself. (OHMYGOD I DROPPED MY LAPTOP!!! THANK THE HEAVENS THAT IT'S ALIVE!!!!)</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Welcome to Bordertown by Ellen Kushner and Terri Windling was a good chapter, but by the time I got to the middle of it, I was ready for another story. I wasn't too keen on the fact that the first chapter was so long. The actual story part of it was interesting, but I feel like they could have picked something a little better for the beginning.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Crossings by Janni Lee Simner was fun to read. The two girls in the story were really annoying, though. I mean, <b>please stop being so fangirly annoying about vampires and werewolves and come back to reality</b>. I'm not sure that it was the smartest thing to just run away from home in search of creatures that may or may&nbsp;<b>not</b>&nbsp;exist. Also, I was surprised by their stupidity when they went into that elf's house. My favorite part was that they were from Tucson. I enjoyed that a lot. Really.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Fair Trade by Sara Ryan (drawn by Dylan Meconis) was good. The story wasn't AWESOME, but I liked it. Of course, the thing I enjoyed most was that it was a comic. I love comics. I'm such a nerd, I know, but it's true! (Speaking of which, Umbrella Academy still hasn't come yet...)</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Elf Blood by Annette Curtis Klause was a little confusing, but it was one of my favorite chapters. At first, I was like "Wait, wait, wait. Is this girl really a vampire, or is she just deranged?" but then I got it. Her plan to drink elf blood so she could live normally or whatever seemed a little crazy to me, but hey, I ain't a vampire. I liked Moss! And you can tell that I liked him a lot because I bothered to remember his name.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">A Borderland Jump-Rope Rhyme by Jane Yolen was <b>creepy</b>. Like, psycho-future-serial-killer-elf-children creepy. I don't care if you're an elf, or a halfie, or pure human; who on earth would let their kids sing this? I know that Ring Around the Rosy is also an awful song, but at least the scary was hidden by metaphor! You don't actually say, "She is not dead, dead, dead, Just dressed in red, red, red, With thirteen rounds, rounds, rounds Inside her head, head ,head" Even though it was some creepy-ass craziness, I liked it...</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">The Rowan Gentleman by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare was one of my favorites. The story was complete, and yet it wasn't. I understand that they had a limited amount of space to create a story, but I would have liked to know why that girl was waiting for Robert and who exactly stabbed her. The plot felt complete though, and because I'm a big fat mush, I loved how that elf guy turned out to be really sweet.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">A Tangle of Green Men by Charles de Lint was my FAVORITE chapter. It made me really super happy, and then it grinded my heart to a pulp. I nearly cried when that certain event happened, and that's pretty impressive considering it was only a chapter. The part with the talking dog was... strange, but it fit. *sigh* I just can't... By the end of this chapter, I like to believe that he made Bordertown a better place and then rejoined her. I needed a good ending to this book.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Four Stars</span></span>Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-14299418488968105492011-08-22T20:02:00.000-07:002011-08-22T20:02:54.566-07:00Thirst No. 4 by Christopher Pike<img alt="The Shadow of Death (Last Vampire: Thirst #4)" height="200" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1313658139l/11518333.jpg" width="132" />&nbsp;<i>Thirst No. 4</i>&nbsp;by Christopher Pike<br /><br />Published August 9, 2011 by Simon &amp; Schuster Children's Publishing<br /><br />Paperback: 496 pages<br /><br />Book Number Four in the Last Vampire: Thirst Omnibus Series<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><b><span></span>Once again, I have returned to life, but it is a suddenly lonely world.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Alisa is a five-thousand-year-old vampire, stronger and more cunning than her adversaries. But now she's trapped in the body of a newborn vampire and at the mercy of a terrible thirst. Worst of all, she's facing enemies whose fierce desire for domination grows ever stronger.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">The immortal race the Telar is threatening to release a virus to decimate humanity. But Alisa and her friends can't take down the Telar on their own, and they must turn to the mysterious&nbsp;organization&nbsp;the IIC for help. But the IIC has secrets of it's own and may have ulterior moves.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">With two rivals and no one to trust, Alisa must rely on her dark side to defeat them. But it could cost her life, or her soul...</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span></span>I can't even begin to explain how much I loved this.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">This series is definitely one of my favorites. I love Christopher Pike's writing style and how clear it is that he puts a ton of effort and research into his books. I also love how this book isn't only about vampires; there's science, psychology, myths, religion, history, weaponry, and so much more. I just don't even know how I can possibly tell you how much I love this series. This review might end up being me screaming because that is all I know how to do.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I love the characters. I love the scenes. I love the descriptions. I love the action. I love the supernatural stuff. I love how these book are always only in paperback form. I LOVE IT ALL. The only thing I don't love is</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;how they say her name is Alisa on the back cover. Her name is Sita! Sita!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">There were so many billion crazy amazing shocking dhfiaosdohweiblnqio AHHHHHHHH twists. Like really, seriously, it was ridiculous. You can't deny that this series went out with a bang. A big, explosive bang.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Also, I really love Sita. She's such a tough, heartfelt&nbsp;bad-ass&nbsp;that I could die. Really, I could.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />When I fished this book, there was an enormous grin on my face. Christopher Pike did an awesome job ending the book and the series. It must have been pretty tricky figuring out how to end a series about a vampire who has lived basically forever and has almost died a million times. But, obviously, the man pulled it off because he is a genius.<br /><br />If you haven't read this series, READ IT AND YOUR LIFE WILL BE COMPLETE AND YOU WILL BE SO MUCH SMARTER. I. Love. It. So. Flippin'. Much.<br /><br />Five StarsRaquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-59978682327258951412011-08-18T15:50:00.000-07:002011-08-18T15:50:52.532-07:00Rotters by Daniel Kraus<img alt="Rotters" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1283124176l/8572163.jpg" />&nbsp;<i>Rotters</i>&nbsp;by Daniel Kraus<br /><br />Published April 5, 2011 by Delacorte Press<br /><br />Hardcover: 464 pages<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Grave-robbing. What kind of monster would do such a thing? It's true that Leonardo da Vinci did it, Shakespeare wrote about it, and the resurrection men of nineteenth-century Scotland practically made it an art. But none of this matters to Joey Crouch, a sixteen-year-old straight-A student living in Chicago with his single mom. For the most part, Joey's life is about playing the trumpet and avoiding the daily humiliations of high school.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />Everything changes when Joey's mother dies in a tragic accident and he is sent to rural Iowa to live with the father he has never known, a strange, solitary man with unimaginable secrets. At first, Joey's father wants nothing to do with him, but once father and son come to terms with each other, Joey's life takes a turn both macabre and exhilarating.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />Daniel Kraus's masterful plotting and unforgettable characters make<em>Rotters</em>&nbsp;a moving, terrifying, and unconventional epic about fathers and sons, complex family ties, taboos, and the ever-present specter of mortality.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I first picked up this book because it seemed really different, and it turns out, that was exactly what <i>Rotters</i>&nbsp;was.</span></span>This book was just so... weird... and kind of horrifying... and fascinating... and creepy.<br /><br />&nbsp;Joey was a really strange kid. In the first chapter, it really freaked me out how he was thinking of all of the ways his mother could die. His "specifying" added a whole new layer to the book that I had never seen before. All of the other characters were good too. I don't mean good like "I really like them! Yay! Good guys!" I mean that they were very intricate and had lots of layers. Like that part in Shrek where Donkey or Shrek says so-and-so has lots of layers like an onion. Which, is kind of ironic because Joey's dad has this weird thing about constantly eating onions. Anyways, those kids at Joey's school were awful! They were just so ridiculous and I'm sort of glad in a weird, sick way that Joey did what he did to them. Foley was pure &nbsp;awesome. He liked metal and was nice and OHMYGOSH that one part where they are at the movies was so unexpected and wow, but it totally made sense. (That was a long paragraph.)<br /><br />The fact that this book is about <u>grave robbing</u>&nbsp;was very terrifying and fascinating and odd and very different. I mean, how many books are there out there that are about grave robbing? So, this is just really weird. I didn't hate this book at all -it was a good read- but I do in fact, hate it.<br /><br />This paragraph is all spoilery, so if you care about that sort of thing, look away. I was so mad when Joey went with Boggs -who is a complete psycho, by the way! What were you thinking?! Just kill him already! And that one part where his eye <u>falls out</u>&nbsp;and he does nothing was absolutely horrifying. I can't believe Foley is gay! It's not a bad thing but W-O-W. Unexpected? Heck yes. I just can't even-<br /><br />If you're squeamish at all, do not read this book. It's disgustingly horrifying a lot of the time. If you aren't squeamish and you want to read something different, read <i>Rotters</i>.<br /><br />Four Stars<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-19062174303108105812011-08-17T15:31:00.000-07:002011-08-17T15:31:09.581-07:00Little Blog People and Other StuffFirst of all: Sorry for not posting in a while! I don't know what it is, <i>Rotters</i>&nbsp;is just taking a really long time to read.<br /><br />So, if you scroll down, you'll find the post about what this is about. I was just saying that I would love to know the names of more little book blogs! Orchid from&nbsp;<a href="http://hauntedorchid.blogspot.com/">The Haunting of Orchid Frosythia</a>&nbsp;and Tiffany from&nbsp;<a href="http://booksforbears.blogspot.com/">Books for Bears</a>&nbsp;have been really nice and helpful, so I would really love more of all you people to speak!<br /><br />Yes, this post was really lame and totally repetitive, but I had to post SOMETHING! In order to make this longer, I need everyone to love the band My Chemical Romance. Just Google them, or something.<br /><br />Sorry and goodbye!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-42489776711025208312011-08-08T17:35:00.000-07:002011-08-08T17:35:51.831-07:00A Proposition for Little Book BloggersSo, I had this idea recently:<br /><br />Have you all heard of the <a href="http://bookbloggerrebellion.blogspot.com/">Book Blogger Rebellion</a>? Well, once you click on that dandy link, you'll find a group of bloggers who are rebelling together. I was thinking that maybe it would be cool to create something like that for little book bloggers.<br /><br />It would be simply a group dedicated to getting little book bloggers to turn into big book bloggers. We would all promote each other and follow each other and host things together and give advice and etc. etc. And once those little book bloggers turned into what we call big book bloggers, they would be sent on their way to accomplish greater things. Of course, it would be much appreciated if the acknowledge the little book bloggers, but whatever.<br /><br />Obviously, I would need more criteria to actually start this and such, but right now it is only an idea. A figment of my imagination. A fantasy that I hope someday will become a reality. But before this can happen, I need to know if you think yourself or anyone you know would be interested. It would also be very helpful if you could let me know in the comments or email me the names/links of some little book blogs. And by little I mean they don't have a lot of followers, they are just getting started, and those sorts of things. Thanks and every response is appreciated, even if it is against the idea!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-51605152561804304362011-08-08T16:28:00.000-07:002011-08-08T16:28:08.023-07:00Misfit by Jon Skovron<img alt="Misfit" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1300994557l/10805989.jpg" width="133" />&nbsp;<em>Misfit</em> by Jon Skovron<br /><br />Published August 1, 2011 by Amulet Books<br /><br />Hardcover: 384 pages<br /><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Jael has always felt like a freak. She’s never kissed a boy, she never knew her mom, and her dad’s always been superstrict—but that’s probably because her mom was a demon, which makes Jael half demon and most definitely not a normal sophomore girl. On her sixteenth birthday, a mysterious present unlocks her family’s dangerous history and Jael’s untapped potential. What was merely an embarrassing secret before becomes a terrifying reality. Jael must learn to master her demon side in order to take on a vindictive Duke of Hell while also dealing with a twisted priest, best-friend drama, and a spacey blond skater boy who may have hidden depths.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Author Jon Skovron takes on the dark side of human nature with his signature funny, heartfelt prose.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Honestly, when I picked up this book, I expected a little better.<br /><br /><em>Misfit</em> may have an amazingly dark cover, and it may have really cool pages, but I felt like the actual story was kind of dull. It was like an even line.That doesn't mean that I hated this book -it was quality reading- but I was underwhelmed. I don't really know what I was expecting; maybe some more darkness, a little more humor, and maybe&nbsp;a little more&nbsp;romance would have been nice.<br /><br />I do have to say though that I really liked some of these characters. Jael was pretty cool and pretty average in that&nbsp;good kind of way, Rob was awesomely nerdy and cool, Britt was wacky even before You-Know-What happened, the teachers were all very real, Dagon was GREAT, the villains were nasty, and her dad was nutty. The detail that Jon Skovron put into the characters and making you feel like you had met them before was pretty impressive.<br /><br />The pacing of this book was really good. Even if you were looking back at something, or were in one of those back-in-time moment things, you never felt slowed down. And, I really appreciated how much the author wrote about demons and Hell and stuff. Like, I completely get it.<br /><br />So, if you like demons (except not really "like" because, you know, that's weird) and&nbsp;fun situations, you should give <em>Misfit</em> a try.<br /><br />Three StarsRaquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-86712386089570727462011-08-04T20:39:00.000-07:002011-08-04T20:39:15.975-07:00Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson<img alt="Robopocalypse" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41v-Bb6D%2BML.jpg" width="132" />&nbsp;<em>Robopocalypse</em> by Daniel H. Wilson<br /><br />Published June 7, 2011 by Doubleday<br /><br />Hardcover: 347 pages<br /><br /><br /><span id="freeText13029921756006416400"><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">They are in your house. They are in your car. They are in the skies…Now they’re coming for you.<br /><br />In the near future, at a moment no one will notice, all the dazzling technology that runs our world will unite and turn against us. Taking on the persona of a shy human boy, a childlike but massively powerful artificial intelligence known as Archos comes online and assumes control over the global network of machines that regulate everything from transportation to utilities, defense and communication. In the months leading up to this, sporadic glitches are noticed by a handful of unconnected humans – a single mother disconcerted by her daughter’s menacing “smart” toys, a lonely Japanese bachelor who is victimized by his domestic robot companion, an isolated U.S. soldier who witnesses a ‘pacification unit’ go haywire – but most are unaware of the growing rebellion until it is too late.<br /><br />When the Robot War ignites -- at a moment known later as Zero Hour -- humankind will be both decimated and, possibly, for the first time in history, united. Robopocalypse is a brilliantly conceived action-filled epic, a terrifying story with heart-stopping implications for the real technology all around us…and an entertaining and engaging thriller unlike anything else written in years.</span></span><br /><em>Robopocalypse</em> was a slightly terrifying and eerily real book.<br /><br />First of all, let me just say that for the life of me I can't seem to remember how to spell "Robopocalypse" even though I will end up using that word several times in this year. That word is making me type like a snail Ro-bo-pa, no wait, Ro-bo-po-ca-lypse. Okay? Okay.<br /><br />So, ANYWAY, when I first picked up this book, I got all excited because um *AHEM* it's about the Robot Revolution for God's sake! Plus, that cover is very endearing, and if you stare at it long enough, it creeps you out. Promise.<br /><br />I loved the layout of this book. First, there were incidences, then madness, then the "end." Yeah, the word end was in quotations. You'll see why if you read this book. And I really liked how it went back and forth between so many characters, and how those characters and scenes pop back up later.<br /><br /><em>Robopocalypse</em> will make you want to turn off all of your electronics, or at least you'll become a little more suspicious of them. I know I did... But, then again, I was really suspicious of technology in the first place.<br /><br />Also, my favorite characters were: Nine Oh Two, Mathilda, Lurker, and Archos. I know, I know you're probably like "Archos?!" I can't help it, I just love a really good terrifying robot. And his voice? That was <u>very</u> terrifying.<br /><br />Four StarsRaquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-21840194187707849462011-07-31T11:30:00.000-07:002011-07-31T11:30:05.714-07:00Wondering...So, I was wondering about a few things and decided to ask you people.<br /><br />1.) I'm writing this story, and I was wondering what type of guy do you love to read about most? Is he strong or sweet or tough or smart or all of the above? Who <em>is</em> that guy that you go all fangirl over every time he says that one special line?<br /><br />2.) This blog is called The Thing About Books... Is that too dull? Should I change it to something more eye catching or funny? Or would changing the name of the blog be too drastic of a change after I've had it for this long?<br /><br />3.) What do you want on this blog that isn't already here? What's missing? What can I improve on?<br /><br />I'd love to hear what you think! Thank you kindly, my dear sir.Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-4594791333030710282011-07-28T10:05:00.000-07:002011-07-28T10:06:50.160-07:00Stay by Deb Caletti<img alt="Stay" height="200px" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1301850508l/8527904.jpg" width="131px" />&nbsp;<em>Stay</em> by Deb Caletti<br /><br />Published April 5, 2011 by Simon Pulse<br /><br />Hardcover: 313 pages<br /><br /><span id="freeText11448944954980008255"></span><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Clara's relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it's almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he's willing to do to make her stay. </span><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won't let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><em>Stay</em> was a very good, sort of freaky, and fun book.</span><br /><br />The way this book is written made me smile. Despite the slightly dark contents, the writing always brought a sense of fun and how Clara would have done things differently. It really helped the book from being too freaky at some points. I also liked how the story switched from the past and then the "present" with each chapter, and then eventually molded together.<br /><br />I loved how much detail the author put into the characters; by the end of the books, I felt like I knew each and every one of them just as well as Clara did.<br /><br />Deb Caletti also did a good job at making the story feel real, and showing us how Clara's thoughts about Christian were always at the back of her mind. Also: I loved Clara. I absolutely, positively <u>loved</u><br /><br />I chose this book because it was different. I hadn't seen many stories about this sort of thing, so it intrigued me. And I am so glad I picked it because wow, I really liked it.<br /><br />Four StarsRaquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-40365085866364037612011-07-26T10:51:00.000-07:002011-07-26T10:51:48.317-07:00I'm HomeYes, I am back.<br /><br />California was awesome, thanks for asking. Disneyland was super duper fun. Star Tours was AMAZING, the Nemo submarine ride thing was cool, and the Little Mermaid ride blew my mind! Why didn't they have that when I was younger?! Why???<br /><br />Pacific Beach was really cool and pretty and exhausting. My back, shoulders, and nose got really sunburned, so I'll be lathering aloe vera on for a while :( Lili (my little sister) and I tried calamari! I feel very accomplished for not chickening out, and it helped that it actually tasted <em>good</em>.<br /><br />You can expect posts to resume soon. I'm not allowed to resume reading good books&nbsp;until I&nbsp;finish <em>The Hobbit</em> by J.R.R. Tolkien, so I'll try to finish at some point this week. It's so hard to read a book you hate...<br /><br />Thanks and have a wonderful day *big cheesy smile*Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-73436414735686126432011-07-18T14:15:00.000-07:002011-07-18T14:15:41.995-07:00Blood Red Road by Moira Young<img alt="Blood Red Road (Dustlands, #1)" height="200px" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1293651959l/9917938.jpg" width="132px" />&nbsp;<em>Blood Red Road</em> by Moira Young<br /><br />Published June 7, 2011 by Margaret K. McElderry<br /><br />Hardcover: 459 pages<br /><br /><span id="freeText13991244255976349676"><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back. </span></span><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her</span> <br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><em>Blood Red Road</em> has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><em>Blood Red Road</em> was a really, really good book.</span><br /><br />I absolutely loved how you get to know the characters so well, and how you become accustomed to the land and culture. This isn't one of your average dystopian book, it's so much more. I loved how we are called "Wreckers." Everything was just so... amazing and wonderfully written. (Saba's language was cool.)<br /><br />The action was awesome and gritty and harsh. The scenes were so real and Moira Young did a really good job at making you feel like you were right beside the characters, fighting along with them.<br /><br />The characters! Jack! Saba! Emmi! Tommo! Ike! The Free Hawks! Nero! Lugh! The Pinches! The King! The Tonton! DeMalo! I loved every single one of them.<br /><br />I'll admit, sometimes Saba's constant thinking of only her brother and not wanting to do anything until she found him was kind of annoying, but it went well with the story. And, I felt so bad for Emmi. She's only&nbsp;nine Saba! But, of course,&nbsp;Saba's disliking of Emmi made sense.<br /><br />I apologize if this review seems kind of vague. I'm super tired at the moment so I can't exactly form what I'm thinking into a proper post.<br /><br />Five Stars and goodbye! I'm off to DISNEYLAND!!!!Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-47084454106874661122011-07-14T11:25:00.000-07:002011-07-14T11:25:37.344-07:00VacationI feel like I should notify you guys in advance that I probably won't be posting for about a&nbsp;week or so. Next Wednesday, I'll be on my way to California where the beach, relatives, and DISNEYLAND awaits. Also, I might try calamari (fried squid or octopus?) but it is very likely that I will chicken out.<br /><br />I'm currently reading <em>Blood Red Road</em>, but who knows if I'll finish it before then. I still have to do some summer reading and math for school (ugh) so let's just keep our fingers crossed.<br /><br />Wait, when I said that I'd be posting again in "a week or so" you should take from that that it'll be a while before I post because I'm not quite sure how much time I'll have to read. Because um, hello, DISNEYLAND.<br /><br />So, my advice to you while I'm gone would be: 1.) Read. 2.) Try not to let your envy of me because I'm going to Disneyland consume you (ha) and 3.) Turn off your electronics at night because you never know when the Robot Revolution will start. Who wants to wake up and see their cell phone standing on their chest with an evil smile? Not me. Not you. Nobody.<br /><br />Goodbye. Unless I post a review after this. <em>Then</em> it would be goodbye.Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-72006513790035554162011-07-12T14:43:00.000-07:002011-07-12T14:45:59.214-07:002 Cent Tuesday (1)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5T4OTua6F4/Thy3Yu7nIGI/AAAAAAAAAOc/RBnglH8euUs/s1600/PennyReadsBadge00.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5T4OTua6F4/Thy3Yu7nIGI/AAAAAAAAAOc/RBnglH8euUs/s200/PennyReadsBadge00.png" width="200px" /></a><br />2 Cent Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Penny at <a href="http://pennyreads.com/">pennyreads.com</a>&nbsp;This is my first time participating, so here it goes!<br /><br /><em>Today's topic is:</em> <u>book to movie adaptations</u><em>. I chose today's topic in honor of the final Harry Potter movie being released this week. I think it's safe to say that most of us are fans of the book&nbsp;and movie franchise, and will feel like we're coming to the end of an era when we go watch HP 7 Part 2 this week.</em><br /><br /><em>Which movie to book adaptations do you love? Which ones are so bad that you wish you could unsee them? Which one actually turned out better than the book?</em><br /><br />First, let me say that I completely agree with Penny! I'm going to see the final Harry Potter on July 31, so I won't be able to cry about it until then. But, of course, I do feel this mixture of sadness and excitement whenever I see previews. Did any of you guys get to see Rupert Grint on the Today Show? I did, and I cried.<br /><br />On to the 2 cents...<br /><br />I haven't seen very many book to movie adaptations, so this is tough. I'd have to say my favorite book to movie adaptations would have to be Harry Potter. Yes, I can hear all of you saying, "Oh come on? Seriously?" but it's true! I love the series and I think that the movies put a whole new spin on the books. I loved seeing all of the characters come to life so vividly. Everything was just so... magical.<br /><br />My least favorite would&nbsp;have to be... The Chronicles of Narnia. Okay, so I saw the first movie, and it was pretty good. The second movie was awful. And I have absolutely no interest in seeing the rest. One of the worst things I can think of is how they skipped some of the books! <em>Prince Caspian</em> does not come after <em>The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe</em>! <em>The Horse and His Boy</em> comes next! Really, they could have at least paid attention to the order. I also hate the actors. The children/teens in those movies bug the crap out of me! All they do is whine! Sheesh...<br /><br />I am trying really super hard to think of a movie that came out better than the book, but I can't. I can only think of movies that I've seen that are also books that I've never read. Sorry, but I just don't have one. Although, once this post is up or in a few days I'm sure that a whole bunch of books and movies will pop into my head. Perhaps I'll fix this, or perhaps I'll just leave it. You can't have an answer for everything, right?Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-24098399409544852412011-07-09T10:19:00.000-07:002011-07-09T10:19:14.495-07:00Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma<img alt="Forbidden" height="200" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1284749033l/8349244.jpg" width="132" />&nbsp;<i>Forbidden</i>&nbsp;by Tabitha Suzuma<br /><br />Published June 28, 2011 by Simon Pulse<br /><br />Hardcover: 464 pages<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives—and the way they understand each other so completely—has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending.<span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>Forbidden</i>&nbsp;was a very, very, very painful book. But a good painful, of course.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I honestly don't know what to say about this book... I suppose I could start by saying that Tabitha Suzuma is excellent at expressing emotion and (because I wish I lived in Great Britain) I really enjoyed how the style of writing just&nbsp;</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">subtly hinted how the story took place in England and how the author lives in London.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">There were lots of surprises in this book, most of them being upsetting. With every page I turned, my heart shattered a little bit more. Even during the happy moments, my heart was breaking.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">The ending was beautiful and made me cry. I desperately wish I could say something spoilery here, but no such luck... I can say: Wow, that was the worst and best ending I've read in a long time.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">You have to be able to handle a lot to read this book, and maybe it isn't best for younger readers.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Five Stars and a broken heart.</span></span><br />Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-24267151697472527462011-07-02T10:44:00.000-07:002011-07-02T10:44:03.483-07:00Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini<img alt="Starcrossed (Starcrossed, #1)" height="200px" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1306793074l/9462795.jpg" width="132px" />&nbsp;<em>Starcrossed</em> by Josephine Angelini<br /><br />Published May 31, 2011 by HarperTeen<br /><br />Hardcover: 496 pages<br /><br /><span id="freeText319017895132183085"></span><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">How do you defy destiny? </span><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history. </span><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><em>Starcrossed</em> was a good book with many twists and turns.</span><br /><br />The characters were my favorite part of this book. The Delos family was so great. Lucas: amazing. Hector: I really like him. And everyone else was awesome as well. Helen and Claire were great best friends, and I loved the bond they shared. The high school was a typical high school with popular kids, sporty people, and so on.<br /><br />Like the first sentence of this review says, there are a lot of twists and turns in <em>Starcrossed</em>. A good amount of them were really <u>really</u> crazy. The one that shocked me the most was the one&nbsp;near the end, where three people are on the beach. Yes, it is vague, but it must be that way if you don't want spoilery.<br /><br />The only problem I had with this book was the Greek mythology. Honestly, this was the first Greek mythology book I have ever read, and I'm not quite sure if it's my thing or not. There were explanations of the gods and demigods and all that stuff, but I still don't get it. I especially don't get the whole blood feud thing. What? What's the blood feud all about? I suppose it doesn't help that my only point of reference was the Disney Hercules movie (although, it was definitely helpful with the Fates and the gods.)<br /><br />Also, I don't think this book was painful enough for me. I know the whole point of the star crossed lovers thing is supposed to be tragic and upsetting, but for me the thing Lucas and Helen learn in the end even though we all know it isn't true was more upsetting. I really hoped I would feel the pain and the misery and the hopelessness, but I don't think I did.<br /><br />If you like Greek mythology and romance, read this book.<br /><br />Four StarsRaquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-59177635240708841492011-06-28T10:54:00.000-07:002011-06-28T10:54:32.986-07:00Things You Probably Don't Need To Know, But I'll Tell You AnywayI've been feeling like posting a random review full of various thoughts for a while, and I know that this is a book blog and yaddah yaddah but I want to post something&nbsp;about my own self! It's a free country! Leave me alone! Jeez. So, here is my first (and probably not last, knowing me) random post:<br />1.) I have been reading some of my past posts, and I realized that I hate my <a href="http://thingaboutbooks.blogspot.com/2011/03/in-beginning.html">introductory post</a>, especially the annoying bit at the end where I say muchos gracias. That was out of hand. I apologize for my disgusting peppy weirdness. *shudder*<br />2.) Because I can't fit this in my "About Me" thing, I decided to tell you some things about me: My computer keeps freezing up, so it's taking five years to type this. I have two dogs, Teddy (Bear) who's an apple-head teacup chihuahua that I'm in love with (and who I just now realized has a breed name that sounds like it's from Alice and Wonderland) and an annoying fluffy white dog named Princess that likes to roll in the dirt and jump on the backs of your knees as you're walking so you almost fall over. I have a tendency to fall in love with book characters. I enjoy writing as much as I enjoy reading. My head is full of crazy ideas that won't go away. I love ice cream, and could never eat anything other than that for the rest of my life.<br />3.) I hate it when people stereotype teenagers. Just because I'm a teenager doesn't mean that everything I say is a lie! Not every bad mood I'm in is caused by me being a teenager! Suddenly I'm a crazy person who's going to burn the house down and join a biker gang! FEEL MY TEENAGE WRATH!!!!<br />4.) I am a really big sap. I cry in cartoon movies. <u>Cartoon</u> movies.<br />5.) I'm not too old for Spongebob or Looney Tunes or&nbsp;Tom &amp; Jerry! I will not be told otherwise!<br />6.) I hate it when I go to the mall and find that everyone is a skinny jean, logo shirt blur. Please have some personality! Trust me, no one will shun you if you wear something other than Converse or Vans every day of your life. And if they do, you shouldn't even be hanging out with those people in the first place.<br />7.) I would absolutely love it if someone could teach me everything there is to know about computers. I need to hire a genius. Not like my dad who's a math genius, but someone who's a computer genius. Seriously.<br />8.) This is turning out to be a longer post than I had anticipated...<br />9.) When I use big words, or formal language, or whatever you want to call it, it's not me trying to be superior or anything. That's just how I talk naturally, so please leave it alone. I am not better than anyone else, and I'm not trying to be.<br />10.) I've read several posts on plagiarising and things of the sort. Please, you know who you are, stop. It's unfair to those who published the posts for you to just take their work. If you have to use someone else's posts for your blog, then you shouldn't have a blog at all. I'm sorry if that offends you, but honestly, think how those people you stole the posts from feel. If you think that&nbsp;your plagiarising is a well kept secret, you're wrong. People will find out, and people will be angry.<br />~That is All~Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-44355216913883492372011-06-27T09:17:00.000-07:002011-06-27T09:28:34.214-07:00Wither by Lauren DeStefano<img alt="Wither (The Chemical Garden, #1)" height="200px" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1297987801l/8525590.jpg" width="137px" />&nbsp;<em>Wither</em> by Lauren DeStefano<br /><br />Published March 22, 2011 by Simon &amp; Schuster Children's Publishing<br /><br />Hardcover: 358 pages<br /><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">What if you knew exactly when you would die? <br />Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb — males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out. <br />When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape — to find her twin brother and go home. <br />But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.</span><br /><br />I had read so many reviews for <em>Wither</em> (all of them being good) and each time I read another, I wanted this book even more. For some reason,I only just got it, and that makes me feel like an idiot. What was I waiting for? I feel like a village idiot. Not just an idiot, a <u>village</u> idiot.<br /><br />That being said, <em>Wither </em>was<em>&nbsp;</em>fantastically amazing and I can definitely see why everyone loved it so much. The story was beautiful and scary and strange and I loved it. There was so much pain in this book,&nbsp;and there was a strong need for love as well. I don't think I've ever felt so much emotion in one book. I could be angry one page, and heartbroken the next. There were several times where my eyes filled with tears. So, so much emotion.<br /><br />That cover! Hello! It's amazing! And it makes sense with the story. Even the parts that are circled make sense. I. Love. That. Cover.<br /><br />I could say so much more (trust me, I <u>certainly</u> could),&nbsp;but I won't because I don't want to spoil it for you. Buy this book and stop being a village idiot like I once was. Seriously, I feel as though this interview is insufficient for what this book was like.<br /><br />ONE MILLION STARS or, in other words, Five Stars.Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-39952933271946257812011-06-20T21:49:00.000-07:002011-06-20T21:52:42.281-07:00Passion by Lauren Kate<img alt="Passion (Fallen, #3)" height="200px" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1294334258l/9369720.jpg" width="132px" />&nbsp;<em>Passion</em> by Lauren Kate (Fallen #3)<br /><br />Published June 14, 2011 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers<br /><br />Hardcover: 432 pages<br /><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">"Every single lifetime, I'll choose you. Just as you have chosen me. Forever."</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel broken and alone.But perhaps it doesn't need to be that way....</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Luce is certain that something -or someone- in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime...going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel...and finally unlock the key to making their love last.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are frantic as Daniel. He chases her throughout their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames...forever.</span><br /><br /><em>Passion</em> was sort of what I expected the sequel to be, but also very unexpected.<br /><br />Luce and Daniel are <u>amazing</u>, simple as that. They coined the term "I love you." I love them! I love Daniel! I love Luce! I love them!<br /><br />This book was great, not amazing awesome fantabulous, but great. It's probably just because no matter how good this series gets, it will only be great for me. The books just never got me hooked. I never stayed up too late imagining what it would be like to be in so-and-so's position, I never jumped up and down as the days to the release of <em>Passion</em> grew closer, I never grew completely and totally obsessed; reading the books over and over again. I don't know what it is. The story line is great, the characters are great, and Lauren Kate doesn't have really bad grammar or anything like that.<br /><br />So, I don't really know where I'm going with this review; I'll end it shortly. Crazy things happen, and Luce's travelling through time made me jealous. Hahaha. I hope I'm not the only one who was&nbsp;more mystified by the culture and history Luce was going through than&nbsp;certain predicaments. The ending was just- I don't even know how to explain it! All I can say is that it's a little cruel to end the story right there! When I saw the page in the back that says, "<em>Rapture</em>- Spring 2012," or whatever, I actually went, "Nooooooo!!!!" But, of course I whispered it because my parents were sleeping at the time.<br /><br />Great book. Great sequel. Looking forward (angrily) to Spring 2012. Also: 1)&nbsp;I can't tell if the girl on the front is real or what. Can you tell? 2) Is it wrong that I find Cam slightly...amazing?<br /><br />Four StarsRaquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-77630647325641435682011-06-16T10:07:00.000-07:002011-06-19T19:25:15.321-07:00Haven by Kristi Cook<img alt="Haven" height="200px" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1284569882l/7141621.jpg" width="131px" />&nbsp;<em>Haven</em> by Kristi Cook<br /><br />Published February 22, 2011 by Simon Pulse<br /><br />Hardcover: 416 pages<br /><br /><span id="freeText17232093565638967232"><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">One month into her junior year, sixteen-year-old Violet McKenna transfers to the Winterhaven School in New York’s Hudson Valley, inexplicably drawn to the boarding school with high hopes. Leaving Atlanta behind, she’s looking forward to a fresh start--a new school, and new classmates who will not know her deepest, darkest secret, the one she’s tried to hide all her life: strange, foreboding visions of the future. <br /><br />But Winterhaven has secrets of its own, secrets that run far deeper than Violet’s. Everyone there--every student, every teacher--has psychic abilities, 'gifts and talents,' they like to call them. Once the initial shock of discovery wears off, Violet realizes that the school is a safe haven for people like her. Soon, Violet has a new circle of friends, a new life, and maybe even a boyfriend--Aidan Gray, perhaps the smartest, hottest guy at Winterhaven. <br /><br />Only there’s more to Aidan than meets the eye--much, much more. And once she learns the horrible truth, there’s no turning back from her destiny. Their destiny. Together, Violet and Aidan must face a common enemy--if only they can do so without destroying each other first.</span></span><br /><br /><em>Haven</em> was an incredible book. I'll have to apologize in advance for this review; I just can't form my feelings for this book into something comprehensible.<br /><br />Right from the start, I knew this book was going to be one of my favorites. And it is! The characters: brilliant, amazing, real. The school: cool, mysterious, and&nbsp;reminded me slightly&nbsp;of Hogwarts (Harry Potter). The main character: wow, relatable, deep. Shall we say, the love interest: <u>oh my gosh</u>, ridiculous, and made me wonder, "Why isn't anyone in real life like him?"<br /><br />This book was: W-O-W, beautiful, fun, exciting, page-turner, "What's going to happen next?", I'm going to read this again, amazing, fantastic, supercalafragalisticexpialadoshus, wonderful, fantasy, awesome, I'm begging you to read it, great, good, emotional, and every other good adjective in the world.<br /><br /><em>Haven</em> by Kristi Cook was a masterpiece, and highly recommended :)<br /><br />Five StarsRaquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-87099646380831129192011-06-10T12:25:00.000-07:002011-06-19T19:24:34.402-07:00What to Read, What to Read...My plan this weekend is to go shopping (for books, of course) and I was wondering: What books should I buy? Yup, you guessed it, I want your opinion. Whether it's dystopian, paranormal, romance, horror, sci-fi, comedy, steampunk, or any other genre a book could be, I'd love to hear your suggestions. What book do you want to see reviewed? Is there a specific book that you loved and want me to love, too? Hmmmm?<br /><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let Me Know!!!</span></strong><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (Please?)</span></div><br /><div align="justify">﻿</div>Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-21373757735010120132011-06-08T21:07:00.000-07:002011-06-19T19:24:10.651-07:00Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton<img alt="Blood Magic (Blood Journals, #1)" height="200px" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1285013996l/8715032.jpg" width="132px" />&nbsp;<em>Blood Magic</em> by Tessa Gratton<br /><br />Published May 24, 2011 by Random House Books for Young Readers<br /><br />Hardcover: 405 pages<br /><br /><span id="freeText409262436546877234"><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">It starts off simply. <br /><br /><em>Draw a circle ... place a dead leaf in the center ... sprinkle some salt ... recite a little Latin ... add a drop of blood ...</em> <br /><br />Maybe that last part isn't exactly simple. Yet somehow it <em>feels</em> right to Silla Kennicott. And nothing in her life has felt remotely right since her parents' horrific deaths. She's willing to do anything to uncover the truth about her family—even try a few spells from the mysterious book that arrived on her doorstep ... and spill some blood. <br /><br />The book isn't the only recent arrival in Silla's life. There's Nick Pardee, the new guy next door who may have seen Silla casting a spell. She's not sure what he saw and is afraid to find out. But as they spend more time together, Silla realizes this may not be Nick's first encounter with Blood Magic. Brought together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick can't deny their attraction. And they can't ignore the dark presence lurking nearby—waiting to reclaim the book and all its power. <br /><br />Tessa Gratton's intoxicating first novel will keep pulses racing, minds reeling, and pages turning right up to the very last drop of blood.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><em>Blood Magic</em> was just one of those books that hooked you right from the start and didn't let go until the very end.</span><br /><br />I loved how the story was told from three, or four rather, different point of views that were all connected. The format just definitely added to the intertwining secrets. I also really enjoyed how the past played such a big role in what happened to Silla and everyone. Me, I love the past so it was really cool how (as I said before) that the diary entries from the past eventually caught up with the characters in the present.<br /><br />Nick and Silla are adorable, and the fact that what happens in their relationship is horrifying makes it all the more enjoyable. I mean, who doesn't like to&nbsp;see the characters squirm a little? Nick (F.Y.I. I wouldn't consider this spoilery because it's obvious and happens right away but..) is completely in love with Silla. Whenever the story was told from his point of view, I just smiled because his thoughts about her just make it so completely clear&nbsp;how in love this boy is. Silla was tough yet fragile and I liked her haircut. She was a little scary at times because sometimes&nbsp;-in a very minuscule way- she had those moments where you're like, "Wow, this girl is crazy." But don't get me wrong, I really liked her!<br /><br />The villain was exactly that: a <u>villain</u>. The magic was deep and creepy and beautiful all wrapped up in one. Love was love because, after all, what more could love be? The setting was perfect for the book. <em>Blood Magic</em> was a book about awesome stuff, plain and simple.<br /><br />Four StarsRaquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440127036224221983.post-84079987899681961232011-06-04T18:48:00.000-07:002011-06-19T19:23:46.988-07:00What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen<img alt="What Happened to Goodbye" height="200px" id="coverImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512jY76dOVL.jpg" width="131px" />&nbsp;<em>What Happened to Goodbye</em> by Sarah Dessen<br /><br />Published May 10, 2011 by Penguin Young Readers Group<br /><br />Hardcover: 402 pages<br /><br /><span id="freeText8031609102675574902"></span><br /><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;">In the past two years, Mclean Sweet has moved four times. At each stop, she assumes a new persona, but it never quite works. Whether she's an effervescent cheerleader or an intense drama queen, nothing can permanently dispel the turmoil and rage at her mother since her parents' divorce. Sarah Dessen's novel about a teenager and her restaurant manager father captures the vulnerability that young people often experience after the dissolution of their family. A compelling story; strong characterization; and with a touch of romance.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><em>What Happened to Goodbye&nbsp;</em>is<em> </em>totally, absolutely Sarah Dessen.</span><br /><br />Unless you live under a rock, you know Sarah Dessen is <u>the</u> YA romance genius. She's Einstein. She's Ghandi. She's The President of the United Sates. She's Sarah Dessen. And, Sarah Dessen wrote this book.<br /><br />Mclean has a very hard life. Moving in, transforming, packing, moving, forgetting, and repeat. Mclean has always managed the process, but in Lakeview she finds herself being herself. Not pretending, just being real. Things get sticky (both because of bad things and good things). And Dave! Dave! I like Dave... He's nice and a little strange and completely sweet and adorable and likable.&nbsp; I like Dave. <br /><br />Obviously, <em>What Happened to Goodbye</em> was really good, and you should read it. Seriously.<br /><br />Four Stars<br /><br />P.S. On page 393, at the end of the sixth paragraph, there's a <u>really</u> adorable accurance that left me teary-eyed and going, "Awwwwww!!!" Oh, Dave.Raquelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083162833635550305noreply@blogger.com0